Raleigh police search for pair in stabbing death of Good Samaritan

Eleazar Brache Herrera, 20, was stabbed to death on Jan. 15 when he spotted a wrecked SUV on New Hope Road in north Raleigh and stopped to provide assistance, police said.

Earlier that morning, two men broke into a home on Wallingford Drive about a quarter-mile away, police said. A stolen GMC Envoy that was used during the home invasion was the vehicle Herrera stopped to check on.

Police said that the two men involved in the home invasion fled immediately after the SUV crashed and that, by the time Herrera and some friends came on the scene, two other men were standing by the disabled vehicle.

The men got into an argument for an unknown reason, and Herrera was stabbed, police said.

"This wasn't a gang fight or anything like that. He stopped to help somebody, and in the process, he got killed," said Herrera's brother, Manuel Herrera.

His family described Eleazar Herrera as hard-working, caring and the clown of the family.

"My son was loved by all of us greatly," said his mother, Nury Brache. "His death has just left a big silence in us."

Police said the two men wanted in Herrera's death had no connection with him, as far as they can tell, or with the home invasion suspects or victim.

One was described as black, in his early or mid-20s, 5 feet 9 inches or 5 feet 10 inches tall and 180 to 210 pounds, with a medium to dark complexion. He was wearing a black, zippered hooded sweatshirt, a white shirt, dark pants, dark shoes and a cap.

The other is described as black, in his early 20s, 5 feet 7 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall, with a thin build and a light complexion. He was wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt and might have braided hair.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Raleigh Crime Stoppers at 919-834-HELP (4357).

Ronald Steven Earl Gaither, 23, and Terrell Gaither Hilliard, 19, were arrested a few days after the incident and charged in connection with the home invasion.